Jordan, Iraq and Egypt say Israeli strikes in Syria jeopardize regional stability

Smoke billows following Israeli strikes near the Syrian army and defence ministry headquarters in Damascus, July 16, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 16 July 2025
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Jordan, Iraq and Egypt say Israeli strikes in Syria jeopardize regional stability

  • Israel struck several locations in the Syrian southern region of Sweida and the capital Damascus this week
  • Jordanian Foreign Ministry said that Syria’s security is vital for regional stability

LONDON: Jordan, Iraq and Egypt condemned the Israeli strikes that targeted Syria this week, stating that these actions are a blatant violation of sovereignty and international law.

Israel struck Syrian forces and military vehicles as they approached the southern city of Sweida on Tuesday to restore stability after deadly clashes erupted in the region between the Druze sect and Bedouin tribes this week.

On Wednesday, Israel struck the Syrian government’s military headquarters in the capital, Damascus, as the Israeli prime minister and minister of defense said they were intervening to “protect” the Druze, who mainly live in Suweida.

The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs condemned Israel’s airstrikes, saying that they represent a dangerous escalation that jeopardizes Syria’s stability and security.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Sufyan Qudah urged an immediate halt to the Israeli attacks, stressing the necessity of upholding Syria’s sovereignty and saying that Syria’s security is vital for regional stability.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said it “strongly condemns the repeated military interventions carried out by the Israeli occupation authorities, which represent a flagrant violation of Syria’s sovereignty, and a threat to the stability of the region.”

Egypt also condemned the Israeli strikes in Syria and Lebanon, stating that such violations will heighten tensions and contribute to instability in the region.

On Tuesday, Israel conducted strikes in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon’s eastern region, resulting in the deaths of 12 people, according to Lebanese authorities. The Israeli military said that the attacks targeted the militant group Hezbollah.


Jordan’s king stresses need to preserve Christian presence in Middle East

Updated 08 December 2025
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Jordan’s king stresses need to preserve Christian presence in Middle East

  • King Abdullah II holds talks with religious leaders in Amman

LONDON: King Abdullah II of Jordan emphasized the importance of preserving a Christian presence in the Middle East on Monday during talks with religious leaders.

In meetings at Al-Husseiniya Palace with Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East and Archimandrite Metodije of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the king called for an end to the violation of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem by Israel, which he said was seeking to change the historical and legal status quo, the Petra news agency reported.

The king reaffirmed Jordan’s religious and historical role in protecting holy sites under its Hashemite Custodianship.

Crown Prince Hussein, Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, the king’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs, Alaa Batayneh, director of the Office of His Majesty, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III also joined the talks, the report said.

King Abdullah stressed the need for all parties to adhere to the agreement to end the war in Gaza, ensure the flow of aid and prevent escalations in the occupied West Bank.